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Snowmobiler Specific

The Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area is CLOSED to Over-the-Snow Vehicles (including Snowmobiles) for the 2018 winter season.

THIS SNOWPACK SUMMARY EXPIRED ON May 1, 2018 @ 7:57 amSnowpack Summary published on April 29, 2018 @ 7:57 am

Issued by
Ryan Lewthwaite -

bottom line:

This will be the last Snowpack Summary for the 2017/2018 winter season from the Bridgeport Avalanche Center. Furthermore, today will be the last day for motorized snowmobiling activity in the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area. It has been a fun & unique season with you all & thanks for reading the advisory. Continue to be cautious of the Loose Wet avalanche activity as we transition to summer. Thanks for the support & we will see you all again next season!

Avalanche Character 1: Loose Wet

Loose Wet avalanches occur when water is running through the snowpack, and release at or below the trigger point. Avoid very steep slopes and terrain traps such as cliffs, gullies, or tree wells. Exit avalanche terrain when you see pinwheels, roller balls, a slushy surface, or during rain-on-snow events.

Loose Wet avalanches will be the primary concern while the snow lasts. Early morning freezing temperatures are delaying the avalanche activity to afternoon hours. Judging slope angles & appropriately timing your travel plans can help you avoid avalanches. When the depth of your skis begin to penetrate the snow more than is controllable, reassess your riding area or call it a day.

Snowpack Discussion

Elevations above 9000' have received temperatures below freezing allowing for firm early morning conditions. Yesterday morning the surface snow grains were frozen rounded clusters (MFcl) with areas of 1mm surface hoar (SH). Firm aspects on the N-NE change character as you move to more S aspects & gain purchase into the surface melt. Winds were gusty from the West & relatively unpleasant on ridgelines. Loose Wet avalanche activity is less likely with cold air temps remaining in the alpine.

A Loose Wet avalanche from Sardine Gulch on Friday afternoon. Most natural Loose Wet avalanches have run in prone areas & natural activity has been slow lately. Humans are more likely to trigger these avalanches on steep afternoon slopes that gain intense sun. Firm surface conditions can be expected this morning with the overnight refreeze. Afternoon Loose Wet avalanches are to remain the primary concern.

CURRENT CONDITIONSWeather observations from Sonora Pass

0600 temperature:

33 deg. F.

Max. temperature in the last 24 hours:

44 deg. F.

Average wind direction during the last 24 hours:

West

Average wind speed during the last 24 hours:

mph

Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours:

mph

New snowfall in the last 24 hours:

0 inches

Total snow depth:

34 inches

weather

Cooler temperatures & increasing cloudiness will be seen today. Leavitt Snotel has an AM temperature of 29F while Sonora Snotel reads 33F. A low pressure wave will bring with it potential snow showers & isolated thunderstorms. Barely an inch of snow accumulation is forecasted for most of the region, but some intense bursts could dump a little more on the crest. Winds will be moderate from the West. High pressure will return on Wednesday with warm temperatures.

Two-Day Mountain Weather ForecastProduced in partnership with the Reno NWS

20 to 30 mph; gusts to 40 mph decreasing to 10 to 15 mph; gusts to 30 mph late

15 to 20 mph, gusts to 30 mph

Expected snowfall:

0 in.

trace in.

1 in.

Disclaimer

This snowpack summary applies only to backcountry areas in the Bridgeport Winter Recreation Area. Click here for a map of the area. This snowpack summary describes general avalanche conditions and local variations always occur. This snowpack summary expires in 48 hours unless otherwise noted. The information in this snowpack summary is provided by the USDA Forest Service who is solely responsible for its content.

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